WHAT ARE THE EXPERIENCES OF ADULTS WHO USED WHATSAPP INTERACTIVE GROUPS TO IMPROVE WEIGHT LOSS IN THE KSA

Abstract

Obesity in Saudi Arabia is reaching high levels. Therefore, social media platforms have been used widely in the KSA to deliver weight loss programs. Thus, WhatsApp platform was one of them. The present study explores the experiences of adults who joined weight loss programs delivered via WhatsApp groups in the KSA. Qualitative research was conducted by using thematic analysis of data collected through individual semi-structured interviews with ten females. Four themes were produced, which are professional support, peer support, the impact of lockdown period, and WhatsApp features. The findings showed that WhatsApp weight loss groups are effective tools for losing weight in Saudi Arabia due to their accessibility and user-friendliness, and the availability of social support. Another finding is that these groups were more effective during the first lockdown. Positive professional support increased the participants health awareness and motivation. While the lack of professionalism among administrators led them to leave the groups looking for more supportive environment. Peer comparison contributed to increase participants motivation and self-improvement. The lockdown period of COVID-19 facilitated the participants journey and increased their motivation and commitment as there were no social meetings allowed. WhatsApp features helped participants to access the full program easily without the need to pay additional fees which results in increasing participants self-regulation. The study concluded that the WhatsApp platform is a convenient tool to deliver weight loss programs due to its features. These programs can contribute toward the Saudi vision 2030 by mitigating obesity among adults in Saudi Arabia and by increasing their health awareness. However, the research revealed an issue related to WhatsApp weight loss groups is the possibility of lack of qualifications among moderators in some groups.